Inhibitor Of Kappa-Light Polypeptide Gene Enhancer In B-Cells Kinase Beta (IkBKb)

IKK-β also known as inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit beta is an enzyme that serves as a protein subunit of IκB kinase, which is a component of the cytokine-activated intracellular signaling pathway involved in triggering immune responses. Its activity causes activation of a transcription factor known as Nuclear Transcription factor kappa-B or NF-κB. Activated IKK-β phosphorylates a protein called the inhibitor of NF-κB, IκB (IκBα), which binds NF-κB to inhibit its function.

Phosphorylated IκB is degraded via the ubiquitination pathway, freeing NF-κB, and allowing its entry into the nucleus of the cell where it activates various genes involved in inflammation and other immune responses.IKK-β plays a significant role in brain cells following a stroke.